The Master Builder has announced its full company, with previously announced lead Greg Hicks as Halvard Solness, as Ibsen’s classic opens at Arcola Theatre this October.
The Master Builder has announced rising talent Louisa Binder (Your Fault: London) will play the young and beguiling Hilde Wangel, opposite Jade Williams (Romeo and Juliet) as Kaja Fosli in Ibsen’s tale of an ageing protagonist whose fear is taking over his life.
In addition to the cast above, Sally George (People, Places and Things) has been cast as Solness’ wife, Aline Solness, while Ryan Wichert (The Queen’s Gambit) and Robin Hooper (The Office) play son and father, Ragnar and Knut Brovik. Josh Picton joining the company as understudy for the role of Ragnar.
Peter Guinness – no stranger to the Arcola stage after his turn in Richard III there – has also been confirmed as Doctor Herdal.
Book tickets for The Master Builder at Arcola Theatre
Greg Hicks in The Master Builder
Greg Hicks is an acclaimed English stage and screen actor best known for his classical work with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He worked at the National Theatre early in his career, including starring in a 1981 masked production of the Oresteia, joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1976, and went on to become one of the company’s most respected classical performers, taking on major Shakespearean roles over several decades.
Hicks also starred in Snow White and the Huntsman in 2012, as The Black Knight General, and has taken on recurring and guest roles in British TV staples such as Midsomer Murders, Casualty, EastEnders and The Bill.
About The Master Builder
The Master Builder was written by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen and was first published in 1892 by Gyldendal AS in Copenhagen in 1892. First performed in January 1893 at the Lessing Theatre in Berlin, it then opened at the Trafalgar Theatre in London the following month.
The Master Builder focuses on Halvard Solness, a leading architect at the height of his fame, who is paralysed by fear. Fear of the younger generation. Fear of irrelevance. Fear of the past catching up with him.
When young, enigmatic Hilde Wangel bursts back into his world, she reminds him of the promise he made her ten years ago. As she inspires him to even greater heights, Solness is forced to confront the true cost of his success.
Book tickets for The Master Builder at Arcola Theatre
Plan your visit to The Master Builder
- Theatre: Arcola Theatre
- Booking dates: 16 October – 21 November 2026
- Performance schedule: Evening performances – Monday – Saturday. Matinee performances – Thursday and Saturday
Arcola Theatre, London
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